Shakespeare Distillery Tour & Tasting (Gin & Rum)

If you’re exploring Stratford-upon-Avon and have a taste for spirits, the Shakespeare Distillery Tour & Tasting offers a fascinating blend of craftsmanship, history, and flavor. This 75-minute experience combines an informative guided tour with generous tastings of award-winning gins and rums, all within the only working distillery in Stratford.

What makes this tour stand out? For us, it’s the dedicated, passionate guides and the chance to see how small-batch artisan spirits are created from start to finish. However, with a price point around $26, it’s worth considering whether this experience offers good value for spirits enthusiasts or casual visitors.

Ideal for those who appreciate good drinks, enjoy learning about craft production, or are looking for a memorable activity near Stratford, this tour presents both educational insights and delightful tastings in a relaxed setting.

Key Points

• Authentic Experience: The distillery is the only working operation in Stratford, offering genuine insight into spirit production.
• Knowledgeable Guides: Visitors praise the guides for their enthusiasm and expertise, making the tour engaging.
• Tastings: Sampling three award-winning spirits provides real value for those interested in quality gin and rum.
• Additional Benefits: A 10% discount at the gift shop adds a nice touch for souvenir seekers.
• Family Friendly Options: Soft drinks are available for children and designated drivers, making it accessible for groups.
• Accessibility & Convenience: The site is ground-floor accessible with free parking and is located conveniently near Stratford.

A Closer Look at the Experience

What the Tour Includes and How It Unfolds

The Shakespeare Distillery Tour & Tasting kicks off with a friendly welcome and a check-in process that encourages you to arrive 5-15 minutes early. This allows for a smooth start and perhaps a bit of anticipation. As the only working distillery in Stratford, it offers something quite authentic—seeing the actual people behind the craft, not just a display or museum.

Your guide, typically a passionate team member, takes you on a 75-minute journey around the distillery’s premises. Expect to see the process of small-batch gin and rum production from beginning to end. The guides are lauded for their enthusiasm and knowledge, with reviews mentioning how engaging and personable they are. One reviewer even highlighted how the team was eager to answer questions without overwhelming you with technical jargon.

What You’ll See and Learn

You will explore the distillery’s production area, observing how hand-crafted spirits are distilled, bottled, labeled, sealed, and distributed. This close-up view of artisan methods is what makes the experience particularly appealing for spirits lovers. Since the distillery is operational, you’ll see real workers diligently crafting spirits, which adds an authentic, behind-the-scenes element.

The guides also share stories about the distillery’s history and the passion that drives each batch. This storytelling helps deepen appreciation for the craftsmanship involved and makes the tasting session more meaningful.

Tasting & Final Drinks

The highlight for many visitors is the tasting segment. You get to sample three award-winning spirits—a selection carefully curated to showcase the best of what the distillery produces. Reviewers frequently mention the delicious gin and rum, noting the quality and craftsmanship.

After tasting, you’ll choose a gin and tonic or rum with a mixer to enjoy in the cozy tasting lounge. For those designated drivers or guests with children, soft drinks are available, and drivers can opt for a 5cl miniature instead of the final drink—an appreciated touch for responsible enjoyment.

Extra Perks & Shopping

At the end of the session, you receive a 10% discount voucher for the gift shop. This is a great opportunity to pick up bottles to take home or souvenirs, making the experience feel more complete. The shop offers a chance to continue your exploration of their spirits or find a unique gift.

Is It Worth The Price?

At roughly $26.27 per person, this tour offers solid value, especially considering the guided experience, three tastings, and the discount. The reviews reflect high satisfaction, with guests praising the quality of the spirits and the friendly, knowledgeable staff.

For spirits enthusiasts, the opportunity to sample award-winning gin and rum in an intimate setting makes this a worthwhile investment. Casual visitors might find the detailed process and behind-the-scenes glimpse particularly interesting, while families with children will appreciate the soft drinks and the family-friendly environment.

Practical Considerations

• Duration & Timing: With 75 minutes, it’s a perfect short activity that fits well into a day of sightseeing.
• Accessibility: Fully accessible with no stairs, suitable for wheelchairs.
• Age Restrictions: Participants must be 18 or over for tastings; soft drinks offered for younger guests and drivers.
• Location & Parking: Close to Stratford with free parking, making it easy to include in your itinerary.
• Cancellation Policy: Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance adds flexibility if plans change.

Authentic Experiences & Reviewer Insights

Multiple reviewers highlighted the friendly, enthusiastic guides and the delicious spirits. Sue mentioned her husband’s birthday celebration, praising the team’s knowledge and passion. Stephanie noted how engaging the guides were and how much fun they had, emphasizing the great tastings. Kathy appreciated the interestingly told tour, maintaining engagement throughout.

One reviewer, Ewan, described it as a “fantastic experience”, primarily because of the enthusiasm and expertise of the staff. Tracy summed it up by saying, “Great experience, knowledgeable friendly staff, and great gin,” capturing the overall positive vibe.

What sets this tour apart?

It’s the hands-on nature of the production process, the engaging storytelling, and the high-quality tastings. The fact that small-batch spirits are made by real workers adds authenticity and a sense of craft that mass-produced options can’t match.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This experience is perfect for spirits connoisseurs looking to deepen their understanding of gin and rum production. Couples, groups, or families (with older children or designated drivers) will find it both fun and educational. People visiting Stratford-upon-Avon who appreciate craftsmanship or want a unique activity away from the usual Shakespeare sightseeing** will also enjoy this tour.

The accessibility and flexible booking options make it convenient for a variety of travelers. If you’re after a memorable, authentic taste of local craftsmanship—and perhaps a few souvenirs—this is a highly recommended choice.

Final Thoughts

The Shakespeare Distillery Tour & Tasting offers a well-balanced mix of education, entertainment, and indulgence. For a modest price, you receive a behind-the-scenes look at small-batch spirit production, tasting some of the best gin and rum in the region. The guides’ passion makes all the difference, turning what could be a simple tasting into a lively, memorable experience.

It’s especially suited for those who love artisan spirits, want to learn about the craft, or simply enjoy a relaxed, friendly atmosphere with good drinks. With thoughtful touches like soft drinks for kids and a gift shop discount, the distillery makes sure your visit is both enjoyable and worthwhile.

If you’re in Stratford and want to add a bit of spirited fun to your trip, this tour is a smart, tasty, and authentic choice.

FAQs

Is the distillery tour suitable for children?
No, children under 8 are not permitted on the tour. However, soft drinks are available for designated drivers and children aged 8-17.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, it’s recommended to reserve your spot ahead of time, especially during busy periods, to ensure availability.

What should I bring?
Just your ID or passport to verify age — the distillery operates a Challenge 25 policy. No other specific items are required.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility.

Is it wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the tour takes place on the ground floor with no steps, and the facility offers accessible washrooms.

How long does the tour last?
The experience lasts approximately 75 minutes, making it a manageable activity that fits easily into your day.

Are additional drinks available?
Yes, more drinks can be purchased in the cocktail lounge after the tasting.

Is the price inclusive of all activities?
Yes, the ticket covers the guided tour, three spirit tastings, your final drink, and a discount at the gift shop.

Final Words

The Shakespeare Distillery Tour & Tasting stands out as an engaging, authentic experience that combines craftsmanship with conviviality. It offers value for money, especially considering the quality of spirits and the friendly, knowledgeable staff. Whether you’re a spirits enthusiast or a curious traveler, it’s a memorable way to get a taste of Stratford’s local craftsmanship.

Perfect for those who appreciate small-batch artisanal production, enjoy a relaxed atmosphere, or want to add a unique activity to their sightseeing itinerary, this tour is a delightful, flavorful snapshot of local skill and passion.